On a recent episode of Jeopardy!, fans were stunned when none of the three contestants could correctly answer a seemingly easy clue tied to a beloved classic. The question, which referenced the character Boq, left viewers scratching their heads and shouting answers at their screens in disbelief.
The misstep occurred during Final Jeopardy in the “Fictional Characters” category. The clue referenced a character who was “not as big as the grown folk… but neither were they very small.” Despite the hint, all three players incorrectly guessed “Lilliputians,” missing the correct answer: Munchkins, from The Wizard of Oz.
‘Jeopardy!’ ‘Wizard of Oz’ clue sparks backlash
Holding space for this Final #Jeopardy! 🫳👈: https://t.co/5lxgw8QSeF pic.twitter.com/yQhpdp2AhR
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) April 4, 2025
The Wizard of Oz-Jeopardy! confusion quickly trended on the internet as fans responded in shock that none of the contestants had any idea who Boq, a lead Munchkin in the world of Oz, was. The character is not only present in the original novel but also appears in the Broadway hit Wicked and its 2024 blockbuster film remake.
Social media users were especially surprised, given Wicked’s recent popularity. With the movie grossing over $700 million and Boq portrayed by Ethan Slater, many expected the clue to be a slam dunk. “My entire household shouted ‘MUNCHKIN!’” a viewer posted, while others wondered if the contestants had ever seen Wicked or read the book.
Pop culture knowledge and trivia skills
The incident rekindled controversy about the balance between intellectual trivia and popular culture sensitivity on Jeopardy! While the show is renowned for rigor, it does have a selection of entertainment references that test contestants’ width. Leaving out such a widely familiar figure appeared to be a surprising omission to most.
A few fans came to the defense of the players, pointing out that not all people have viewed Wicked or read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Nevertheless, the moment serves as a reminder that even book-smart contestants can crack under pressure or simply have pop culture blind spots. Either way, Boq’s name won’t be forgotten by future Jeopardy! contestants.